Face off evaluation

Face/Off
The opening sequence of Face/Off is a perfect example of a thriller. This opening sequence prepares the audience for what to expect in the film, as well as letting them know that the film is a thriller. This is done through a great use of editing, sound, lighting and Mis En Scene. Using these methods the director creates tension and suspense in just the first two minutes of the film. It’s these two factors I will be discussing in this essay.
The visual that is created in this opening scene creates a very strange tension and the lighting makes it seem slightly nostalgic. It also creates unease when watching because of this. The music in the background helps emphasizes this because it sounds mentally disturbing and makes the viewer also feel like something’s wrong when watching. We here children laughing however it is slowed and the soundtrack is strange. It’s as if it is a mix of diagetic and non diagetic sound. Non-diegetic sound is normally the soundtrack or narrator, in this case being the soundtrack. In this case the carousel has been edited out, allowing only the soundtrack to be heard. However the soundtrack is contains the sorts of sounds you would expect from a carousel which is slightly strange and confusing. it is effective though because it means the music has all the sounds necessary to create the atmosphere and tension intended in this opening sequence. The characters activities are all silent apart from key ones such as the unveiling of the sniper rifle. We hear the sheet being removed and the music turns quite gothic and eerie. We then here the shot being fired, then hit. The music stops and we here the character fall down and crawl over to his dead son as the music slowly creeps back in sounding more neutral and sad this time. This is a very effective mix of sound and editing.
Overall I think the opening sequence of Face/Off is brilliant. It creates a tension between the characters which continues throughout the duration of the film. The editing and sound, are particularly important contributing factors to making the opening sequence so specific to its genre. The odd use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound and the way the sequence has been edited completely sets the mood for the film, and therefore makes this opening so memorable.